TEK4 Fast Hole Drill EDM Key Features

3 Steps to Accuracy

Accuracy and repeatability are critical elements when machining turbine components. TEK4s 3 Steps to Accuracy' procedure guarantees accuracy and repeatability in 3 simple steps. Set the machine, set the electrode and finally, set the part.

1 - Set the Machine

Using the CMM probe, integrated within the machine we set the machine, qualifying all 5 axes' and setting the work datums.

 

This process is completed in 3 minutes.

3 Steps to accuracy - Set the Machine

2 - Set the Part

Using the CMM probe, the part is measured at its reference points and is then "Nested" by the software using a 3-2-1 (Plane, Line, and Point) approach.

 

The machine is matching the CAD model that is embedded in the program with the physical part.

3 Steps to accuracy - Set the part

3 - Set the Electrode

This electrode setting procedure automatically sets new tool offsets values, removing the impact of any small variations that might be in the tool.

 

This second step eliminates the impact that these errors might have.

3 Steps to accuracy - Set the electrode

Laser Ablation (DAC)

TEK4’s optional DAC (Drill After Coating) technology uses a high-frequency fibre Laser to remove non-conductive coatings. This technology is confined within the FHD EDM machines to offer a solution to drill after coating.  

 

The big advantage of having the EDM head and the Laser head in the same machine is a perfect geometrical correlation between the 2 processes. Reducing lead times by not having to transfer the parts between two machines and reduced inventory since there is no need to have parts at two different machines.

 

This technology process can be used on shaped diffusor holes as well as straight holes.

Key features

 

  • High-Frequency FibreLaser

  • High-Speed Accuracy Head

  • Automatic Calibration

  • 100w Laser Power

  • Single Operation Dual Process

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Step 1: Automatic calibration
TEK4 Automatic calibration
Step 3: Precision fast hole drill EDM
TEK4 - Drill After Coating
Step 2: High frequency fibre Laser Ablation
TEK4 Laser Ablation
Step 4: Single solution dual process
Single solution dual process

5 Essential Core Technologies EDM

Class Leading EDM Performance

TEK4s PulseTech EDM technology is specifically designed for rapid EDM hole drilling in Aero and IGT parts. Flexible parameter process programming and adaptive software combine to give an outstanding performance. 

Class Leading EDM Performance

Pre-Breakthrough Detection

Pre-Breakthrough Detection automatically detects the onset of the beginning of electrode breakthrough. Once detected, EDM parameters are automatically engaged to improve and speed up the electrode breakthrough.

 

This is particularly valuable on acute angles and also compensates for casting thickness variations.

Pre-Breakthrough Detection

Automatic Breakthrough Detection

A programmable Breakthrough Detection system is used to prevent electrode overrun, especially when breaking into small cavities.

 

Breakthrough Detection compensates for casting variations and improves quality.

Pre-Breakthrough Detection

Advanced Shaped Cooling Hole Capability

TEK4s Shaped Cooling Hole Technology combines accuracy and flexibility with process speed. TEK4’s latest shaped hole drilling uses AFC (Adaptive Feedrate Control) which brings 30% improvement in shaped hole drilling times.

Advanced Shaped Hole Capability

Data Collection

Each drilled hole application has a distinct process fingerprint. This is the sum of all the process variables. By graphing this process, improvements become immediately clear and by comparing current performance to previous performance process stability can be ensured.

TEK4 Data Collection